[bears9]

The Doug Collins watch is winding down: Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bulls are expected to introduce Collins as their next coach at a midweek news conference.

An announcement of Collins' hiring could come as early as Tuesday, a source said, with a formal introduction Wednesday. Sources told the Sun-Times last Thursday that Collins, who coached the Bulls from 1986-89, had agreed to return.

Contrary to a published report, Bulls general manager John Paxson never intended to talk to another former NBA coach about the job over the weekend. Speculation is that Paxson will want Collins to give a spot on his coaching staff to one of the candidates the Bulls have interviewed over the past six weeks. Collins could groom that person to succeed him as coach.

Utah Jazz assistants Tyrone Corbin and Jeff Hornacek, former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey, and Sacramento Kings assistant Chuck Person interviewed with Paxson. The GM also met with Los Angeles Lakers assistants Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw and former New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson, currently an analyst for ESPN.

Collins announcement expected by midweek :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bulls

[Be Da Bear]

If this is true I hope it works out, but I have a feeling it will not.